Help with obtaining a second opinion

I need others advise.  I has a brain MRI in November that showed multiple lesions suggestive of MS (per the radiologist).  This was done after an episode of numbness in my right leg and right side of my face accompanied by a vision change.  This was the third time I had seen a MD for these type of episodes, although over the past 16 yrs I have had other episodes.  This time my PCP sent me to a neurologist, who after a spinal MRI, VEP, lumbar puncture and blood tests that were normal told me he didn't know what the lesions were from or what I had.  He wants me to come back in a year for a repeat MRI this time with contrast.  I am now seeking a second opinon - I continue to have the numbness but no more vision problems.  I am uncomfortable waiting yet another year........There are three MS clinics I have found in my state but none will take me without a dx of MS.  I am trying to get into the neuro clinic at the state's medical school but after 2 weeks they "are still reviewing my records and will let me know if they will see me".  Sorry to ramble but I just not sure what to do.  I am concerned that IF this is MS that the symptoms will progress without treatment.  So, how have you gotten into someone for a second opinion?

[Wobbly]

Hi there... I think a year is abit long to wait...I too have brain lesions and other tests were normal...I've been searching for a few years now...but I usually have a MRI every six months to look for changes.. and track my symptoms... like a timeline when they start and stop... if I have new ones etc...

call your Dr and ask for a second opinion or call the Neuro and request another MRI in six months from previous one...see if they will help with this..

let us know how it goes..
wobbly
undx

[Lulu54]

Hi Mooselady and welcome to the MS forum.  Wobbly is absolutely right that one year is entirely too long to wait.  Six months would be more reasonable for a recheck.

You don't tell us what state you are in or if you are in the US - someone here may have some experience in your area if you can tell us.

It is not sufficient for a doctor to say you have lesions, they don't know why, and to come back in a year.  That's poor medicine.

I hope you will keep us posted on your search for a 2nd opinion.

my best,
Lulu  

[ShockedToday]

Mooselady, I'm kind of in the same boat.  Here is what happened to me, and hopefully it will help you.  I was dx with probable ms after a bout of optic neuritis lead to an mri and behold I had a lot of lesions.  This sent me to the neuro who was already treating me for my tremors.  He said that based on the mri, tremors & ON, that he gave me the dx for probable ms.  

So I went for more tests to get a definite dx of ms.  They all came out normal!  So the dr says I do not have ms, well possibly, but we'll have to wait and see.  He thinks that I was now born with the lesions and he'll see me next year!  

So........I went online and looked up all the neuros covered by my ins co.  Then I checked the MS websites for recommendations for clinics.  I then narrowed the list down and I called them.  I stated I was dx with probable ms (I was at one point) and I wanted a 2nd opinion.  She then just told me what to bring to the appt.

If I were you, I'd just call and say the same thing I did.  It's on the radiologist report, so your not making anything up, just stretching things a little.  And if that doesn't work, maybe check outside of your state if that is possible for you.

Anyway, hugs for you, as I know this is no picnic.  

[mooselady]

Thanks for your advise and support.  In answer to the question - I live in Oregon.  I am thinking I will give the Med School a little longer and see if they will see me.  If not will look into  finding someone south of my home area (Eugene isn't too far) or in neighboring states.  There isn't a MS clinic that will see me without a referal from another Neurologist, that I can find in Oregon.  Appreciate your insight.  I keep thinking I am over reacting, but then again I've had "episodes" off and  on for over 10 years and this time the numbness hasn't left.